Located at the bank of the Scheldt river, Het-Steen, or simply “Steen Castle”, is a 9th-century castle that happens to be the oldest monument in Antwerp, Belgium. Originally raised as a castle which is evident from its design, it was then expanded into a formidable fortress with stone wall and gatehouses that defended the city for centuries. Steen Castle later served as a prison, a residence, a sawmill, and a fish warehouse until it was reopened to the public as a museum in 1863. Now that’s what you call a multipurpose monument! The best thing about this fascinating castle is that it stands right across the city center, near the port. When you go to the T-Steen you can also enjoy watching the sunset, gazing at the ships sailing by and the windmills at the horizon. You’ll certainly notice the Semini statue, a symbol of fertility, which was maimed by Catholic priests in the 16th century. By Sinjana Ghosh from Backpack and Explore - https://www.backpacknxplore.com/one-day-in-antwerp